For brides who love fashion—and binge-watching TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress—wedding dress shopping can easily be the most exciting part of wedding planning. What’s not to love about fifty shades of white satin, tons of tulle and every kind of lace imaginable at your fingertips? This is your chance to play the fairy tale princess and pick the dress that fits you best.
 
Wondering what’s hot on the runways for the 2018 wedding season (and what Meghan Markle might be sporting for the royal wedding)? This year’s bridal style trends are all about accessories and showing strategic skin.

1. Capes: In place of boleros, bridal designers have been showcasing breathtakingly beautiful capes and capelets. This royal-inspired trend can simply brush the shoulders or sweep dramatically to the floor (Think: Sheer tulle and lace or superhero-like solids).
2. Gloves: Short to elbow-length gloves have once again become an elegant addition to bridal gowns. Sheer or lacy gloves can be used for a subtle touch, while satin can be used to make a bold statement.
3. Off-the-shoulder dresses: Much like the popular off-the-shoulder clothing trend this past summer and fall, wedding dresses are now sporting many lacey off-the-shoulder and cold-shoulder looks.
4. Separate sleeves: Sleeves worn separately from the gown (or slightly attached) are big this year from many bridal designers (some have called this the “arm warmers” trend).
5. Puffed sleeves: Believe it or not, this 80s trend has made a 2018 comeback. Puffed sleeves made of white satin or see-through tulle can add a different silhouette to the arm.
   

Autumn is a beloved time of year for many. This makes it the backdrop for planning a joyous wedding celebration. From cooler temperatures, to warm delicious drinks, to the transitioning colors of falling leaves—there are so many beautiful elements that go along with this season—all of which can provide inspiration for the wedding of a lifetime. To help with the planning process, here are some of the top wedding trends that go along well with this upcoming fall season.

Inspiring Autumn Palettes
 
Fall represents a distinct time of year often recognized by traditional color combinations to include red, yellow, orange, and brown. These are colors that are often also included into fall wedding décor. The great thing about these colors is that variations of these hues can also make for an even more spectacular wedding day. Colors such as chocolate, mustard, rust, gold, cognac, and plum are all awe-inspiring shades that can truly represent a couple’s personal aesthetic. With truly unlimited color options, there is no wonder why so many choose to celebrate their union in the fall. From lush autumn floral arrangements to lavish centerpieces with floral accents and greenery, these warm shades can provide the perfect palette for a very special wedding occasion.

Maximized Use of Space

Another trend for fall weddings is the maximized use of venue space. Today’s trendsetting brides and grooms are searching for new ways in which they can tap into the unused space that is left free of décor on their wedding day. From grandiose wall hangings, to elevated centerpieces with floral accents, to low hanging decorations like string lights from the ceiling, couples are finding creative ways to use all available space for weddings that are truly amazing. The maximized use of vertical space creates beautiful imagery and visual impact for a memorable experience. Using every inch of available space is a perfect way to celebrate the fall with wedding décor that will surely leave a great impression on all guests in attendance.

 
Florals Straight from the Garden
 
Another upcoming trend this fall is the use of rustic florals that appear to have been hand-picked straight from the garden. These wildflower arrangements include earthy, neutral, unexpected blooms for a wedding vibe that not only connects with nature, but is distinctly fall. For instance, traditional flowers like peonies, orchids, gardenias or roses can be paired with succulents, eucalyptus, and other greenery for an organic look and feel. What’s so unique about these bouquets and floral arrangements is that they do not have to look perfect to make a statement. The best natural arrangements will say so much about a couple’s personal taste and style. No matter if the wedding is traditional, romantic, dramatic, or outdoorsy, there is an organic floral combination for every personality type. 
 
When it comes to planning for your big day, consider any of these upcoming trends for an exciting fall wedding event. Autumn-themed color combinations, strategic use of vertical space, and garden-inspired bouquets are all at the top of the list for this year’s upcoming fall weddings. Couples can plan the wedding of their dreams by embracing these trendy autumn trends for the most memorable, heartfelt occasion.

Every wedding is unique and My Big Day treats every day as such.  When planning your wedding, smart brides ask for tips to pull the day off smoothly.   The secret to a stress-free wedding day?   Giving yourself enough time to prepare for a VERY full day!

Get the complete breakdown below to what happens on your wedding day. (in general of course)


Getting Ready:

Bride's hair: One hour, depending on the style. This gives enough time to get it right and make any tweaks or changes from the trial run.

Bride's makeup: 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the makeup style the bride selects

Bridesmaids' hair: 30 minutes per person. (depending on style)

Bridesmaids' makeup: 45 minutes per person.

The order: When your hairstylist arrives, have her start on your bridesmaids first.  This way, the bride can go last so that when her photographer arrives, they catch those last-minute 'getting ready' shots, and the bride looks the freshest.

Photographer arrival time:  One hour prior to formal photo time. This gives your photographer time to walk your wedding site for any last minute photo ideas, and to capture photos of the bride getting ready.

5+ Girls Requiring Hair/Make-up Styling: ask your stylist to bring an assistant to cut down on time. For makeup, add an assistant after yourself plus two. 

Traveling to a Salon: Double the travel time you anticipate — better to have too much time than not enough.

Photos:

Pre-ceremony photos of the bride with her family and attendants/groom with his family and attendants: Two to three minutes per shot; more if the groups are very large, and less if they are very small. "You must also consider how punctual the groups tend to be and possibly cushion the schedule to allow for unexpected delays.

First look: 15-30 minutes.

Groom and groomsmen arrive: An hour and a half before the ceremony. 

Bride and bridesmaids arrive: An hour  before the ceremony. We want to make sure you are hidden before your guests arrive, so they don't get an early peek at your gown!  *If the bride won't be taking photos at the church or ceremony site prior to the ceremony, then she can arrive moments before walking down the aisle and wait in the limo until it's time.

The Ceremony:

Ideal ceremony length: 30 minutes. It's enough time to have meaningful readings and music to make your ceremony unique and memorable.

Receiving line: For a ceremony with 100 guests or less, this will take 12-15 minutes. With 150 guests, allow 20+ minutes. If you're expecting more than 150 guests, consider skipping the receiving line and visiting guests at their tables during dinner instead.

Maximum gap between ceremony and reception: One hour.  Any more than that, and we’d recommend suggesting places for your guests to visit between the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Family photos: Two to three minutes per shot — if your family is properly organized! 

Bridal party: Two to three minutes per shot.

Didn't have a first look? Allow 30 minutes post-ceremony for photos of you and your groom.

If you did have a first look, you'll still want 15-20 minutes post-ceremony for just the two of you.
*Save photos of very large groups (like classmates, coworkers, and large extended family groups) for the reception, when your DJ or band leader can make an announcement to gather everyone. You'll be able to take the photos much faster than trying to track down 50 people during the cocktail hour.

The Reception:

Ideal event length: Six hours. This will allow an hour for cocktails, two hours for dinner, and three hours for dancing.

First dance: This can take place immediately after the bride and groom enter the reception,  following the conclusion of dinner, or right after dessert.

Father/daughter dance: Immediately following the first dance.

Mother/son dance: Immediately following the father/daughter dance. Or, sometimes, this dance is shared with the father/daughter dance.

Welcome toast: Given by the father of the bride or by the bride and groom.

Toasts: Ladies first!  Start with the maid of honor, followed by the best man.

Guests invited to dance: Open up the dance floor, and get the party started!

Dessert: Two hours before the reception ends. Cake cutting, cupcakes, or whatever you have planned.

Bouquet and garter tosses: Right after the cake cutting, or about two hours before the end of the reception.

Late-night snacks: A popular trend, many couples start passing around bite-size snacks at this point to refuel guests.

Farewell: If you're doing a sparkler farewell, for example, have guests start lining up about 10 minutes before you plan to exit.

For more tips and helpful hints, or to hire My Big Day as your wedding planner -
Contact My Big Day!

Christine Kovacs Forster, Owner/ Party Planner
My Big Day llc
Phone: 970-613-1455  or  303-886-3068
Email Us
Located in Loveland, CO
As event planners, we serve the entire front range; Northern Colorado, Southern Wyoming and mountain venues.